Adjustable foot for setting up equipment in alignment

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an adjustable foot for setting up equipment in alignment. The adjustable foot comprises an annular element provided with an axial bore with internal screw thread. The adjustable foot furthermore comprises a shaft element provided with external screw thread matching the internal screw thread. When screwed into the bore, this shaft element can be adjusted in the axial direction with respect to the annular element by turning with respect to the annular element. The adjustable foot furthermore comprises a support part, provided on the annular element or shaft element as well as a washer. The washer and the support part are each provided with a convex respectively concave surface having essentially the same radius of curvature, such that the angle of the washer with respect to the support part can be adjusted. According to the invention the top surface of the annular element is made to slope downwards in the radially outward direction. According to the invention the adjustable foot furthermore comprises a cap with a diameter greater than that of the internal screw thread. According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a combination of an adjustable foot according to the invention, a substructure and equipment set up in alignment on said substructure, as well as an anchor bolt, wherein the equipment is anchored to the substructure by means of the anchor bolt, with the adjustable foot between them.

The present invention relates to an adjustable foot for setting upequipment in alignment comprising:

-   -   a first adjustable part provided with an axial bore with        internal screw thread;    -   a second adjustable part provided with external screw tread        matching the initial screw thread, which second adjustable part,        when screwed into the bore, can be adjusted direction with        respect to the first adjustable part by turning with respect to        the first adjustable part;    -   a support part, provided on the first adjustable part or second        adjustable part; and a washer, when the washer and the support        part are each provided with a convex respectively concave        surface having essentially the same radius of curvature, such        that the angle of the washer can be adjusted with respect to the        support part.

An adjustable foot of this type is disclosed in EP 316 283. Theadjustable foot disclosed in the latter publication consists of a firstadjustable part (2) and a second adjustable part (6) with, at the top, abroadened support part (4) that is concave on the top thereof. Thesecond adjustable part is provided with an external screw thread and thefirst adjustable part is provided with an internal screw thread, whichinternal and external screw threads match one another such that when thesecond adjustable part (6) is turned with respect to the firstadjustable part (2) the axial height of these parts with respect to oneanother is adjusted. On top of the support part (4) the is a washer (7)that is convex on the underside thereof, with a radius of curvatureequal to the radius of curvature of the concave top of the support part(4).

Adjustable feet as disclosed in EP 316 283, like adjustable feetaccording to the preset invention, are used when placing pieces ofequipment stable and level on a substrate so that, for example,vibration is avoided (consider, for example, washing machines that arepositioned on the substrate by means of adjustable feet so that they areas stable as possible), also so that introducing stresses into theequipment is avoided when tightening anchor bolts for anchoring and alsofor aligning various pieces of equipment with respect to one another. Inthe latter case consideration must be given, for example, to a motorthat is connected to a powered installation by means of a shaft, wherethe motor and the powered installation are separate units which usuallyhave to be aligned with one another with regard to the transmissionshaft. Adjustable feet are also used for this purpose.

The adjustable foot according to EP 316 283 has the disadvantage thatdirt and moisture is able to ingress into the threaded joint of internaland external screw thread. This plays a role in particular when theadjustable foot has not been screwed into its lowest position when it isin use. After all, there is then a gap between the broadened supportpart (4) and the first adjustable part (2) via which dirt and moistureare able to ingress into the threaded joint. This can rent in saidthreaded joint seizing and not allowing any further turning.

The aim of the present invention is to provide an improved adjustablefoot with which the ingress of dirt and moisture into the threaded jointof the internal and external screw thread is counteracted and preferablyis entirely prevented.

According to the invention the abovementioned aim is achieved with theadjustable foot of the type mentioned in the preamble in that the topsurface of the first adjustable part is made sloping downwards in theradially outward direction. What is achieved by making the top surfaceof the first adjustable part slopping downwards in the radially outwarddirection is that dirt or moisture that lands on this surface is guidedtowards the outside of the first adjustable part thus away from thethreaded joint, or at least in the opposite direction, that is to saythe passage of dirt and moisture towards to threaded joint is made moredifficult.

On grounds of cost it is preferable according to the invention if thetop surface of the first adjustable part tapers in the radially outwarddirection. Such a tapering surface, that is to say a surface in astraight line in to radial direction, is easier to produce than a curvedsurface, which thus will lead to relatively lower costs. With thisarrangement the top surface will preferably taper at an angle ofapproximately 5° to 15° with respect to the axial axis, this anglepreferably being at most approximately 12°. The angle can be, forexample, approximately 10°. If this angle of taper becomes too large,the upper part of the internal screw thread in the first adjustable partwill lose some of its bearing capacity because it will tend to stretchradially, the external screw thread of the second adjustable part losingits engagement at this location. If the angle of taper is to small, thedirt and moisture will be subject to an inadequate fall orientedradially outwards.

In order further to counteract the ingress of dirt and moisture into thethreaded joint of internal and external screw tread it is advantageousaccording to the invention if the adjustable foot further comprises acap with a diameter greater than the diameter of the internal screwthread an/or greater than the diameter of the washer. This cap will thenoverlap the threaded joint or protrude beyond the washer and this form afurther obstacle the penetration of dirt and moisture into theinternal/external screw thread and counteract the ingress of dirt andmoisture between the convex and concave dish surfaces.

However, according to the invention this cap ca also be usedindependently of a surface of the first adjustable part that slopesdownwards in the radially outward direction. According to a furtheraspect, the present invention then also relates to an adjustable footfor setting up equipment in alignment, comprising:

-   -   a first adjustable part provided with an axial bore with        internal screw thread;    -   a second adjustable part provided with external screw thread        matching the internal screw thread, which second adjustable        part, when screwed into the bore, can be adjusted in the axial        direction with respect to the first adjustable part by turning        with respect to the first adjustable part;    -   a support part, provided on the first adjustable part or second        adjustable part and a washer, wherein the washer and the support        part are each provided with a convex respectively concave        surface having essentially the same radius of curvature, such        that the angle of the washer can be adjusted with respect to the        support part;        characterised in the adjustable foot furthermore comprises a cap        with a diameter greater than the diameter of the internal screw        thread and/or greater than the diameter of the washer.

So that the cap reliably counteracts the ingress of dirt and/or moistureinto the threaded joint and between the convex and concave dish surfacesit is advantageous according to the invention if the diameter of the capis at least 10%, in particular at least 25%, greater than the diameterof the internal screw thread and the diameter of the washer,respectively. In this context it is particularly advantageous if theinternal diameter of the cap is greater than the largest of the externaldiameters of the other parts of the adjustable foot, in particular isleast approximately 0.5 to 2% greater than said largest of the externaldiameters of the other parts. In this way it is ensured that the cap isable to completely cover the remainder of the adjustable foot from thetop.

According to the invention it is particularly advantageous if the capextends downwards from the washer below the bottom outer peripheral edgeof the washer, preferably extends at least approximately 5 to 10 mmbelow said bottom outer peripheral edge. In this way a protectiveoverlap with the outer boundary line of the zone of contact between theconcave and convex surfaces is reliably ensured.

According to the invention it is particularly advantageous if the capcontains a space, delimited by the cap, which has an axial height thatis greater than or equal to the maximum length by which the secondadjustable part can protrude from the first adjustable part, or at leastis intended to protrude at the maximum. In this context the intendedware will be determined by the adjustment range. In this way it isensured that the bottom edge of the cap, coming from above, alwaysreaches to below the top edge of the zone where the internal and theexternal screw thread engage in one another and also that the convex andconcave surfaces are always protected against dirt and moisture.

So that the cap will not impede screwing of the internal and externalscrew tread completely into one another, it is advantageous according tothe invention if the axial height of the interior space is at most equalto the axial height of the unit formed by the first adjustable part,second adjustable part and washer when the internal and external screwthread are completely screwed into one another. So that the cap does notimpede tilting of the washer with respect to the vertical with thisarrangement it is preferable according to the invention if the maximumaxial height of the interior space is less than or equal to 95% to 99%of the maximum value that has just been mentioned.

With a view to stability of the adjustable foot during installation, itis preferable according to the invention if the top of the secondadjustable part composes the support part and if this support part isthus not provided on the top of the first adjustable part.

With a view to minimising the overall height of the adjustable foot itis advantageous according to the invention if the support part islocated completely within a contour determined by the diameter of theexternal screw thread more particularly if the entire second adjustablepart is located within a contour determined by the diameter of theexternal screw thread. In this way it is possible to let the secondadjustable part sink completely into the first adjustable part.

In order to minimise the overall height of the adjustable foot, it ispreferable according to the invention if the support part is at leastpartially, preferably completely, sunken in a zone of the secondadjustable part that is surrounded by the external screw thread.

In order to minimise the overall height of the adjustable foot, it ispreferable according to the invention if the diameter of the her issmaller than the of the second adjustable part. In this way theinclination of the washer can still be adjust if the second adjustablepart is sunken in the first adjustable part. Preferably, the diameter ofthe washer is approximately 4 to 10 mm smaller than the diameter of thesecond adjustable part, for example approximately 6 mm smaller.

On stability grounds it is preferable according to the invention if thesupport part has a concave surface and the washer has a convex surface.The washer is then not able to slip off the support part by itself be itis in a hollow, i.e. the concave surface of the support part. This playsa role in particular when in installing an adjustable foot according tothe invention. So that the equipment to be set up in alignment by meansof the adjustable foot, it is according to the invention can also beanchored to the substrate via the adjustable foot, it is preferableaccording to the invention if the second adjustable part and the washerare provided with an axial opening for an anchor bolt. So that the angleof the washer can be adjusted to an adequate extent, it is advantageousaccording to the invention if the axial opening through the washer has adiameter that is approximately 32 to 48% larger than the diameter of theaxial open through the second adjustable part.

With a view to minimising the overall height of the adjustable foot itis furthermore advantageous according to the invention if the axiallength of the second adjustable part is equal to or less than the axialheight of the first adjustable part and if the second adjustable part isprovided with external screw thread along its external axial lengthand/or the internal screw thread of the axial bore extends over theentire axial height of the first adjustable part. In this way it isensured that the second adjustable part can be completely sunken in thefirst adjustable part without as a result the second adjustable parthaving to protrude from the first adjustable part on any side.

The adjustable foot known from EP-316.283 has a first adjustable part(2) with a relatively high axial height, which, in turn, results in arelatively high overall height for the adjustable foot as a whole.

The aim of the present invention is, according to a still faster aspect,to provide an adjustable foot of the type mentioned in the preamble, theoverall axial height of which can be reduced.

Said aim is achieved according to the invention with an adjustable footof the type mentioned in the preamble in that the external diameter ofthe first adjustable pact is at least 1.4 times the diameter of thematching internal and external screw threads. In the case of aadjustable foot of the type mentioned in the preamble it is important torealise that the shaft part must be able to transmit very high loads tothe first adjustable part without the adjustable foot giving way.Conventionally, the approach here was that the length of the engagementbetween the matching internal and external screw thread had to be chosensufficiently long. Moreover, it then had to be ensured that the shaftpart was at all times screwed into the first adjustable part over acertain minimum distance so that a minimum length of engagement betweenthe matching screw threads was obtained. The Applicant has now foundthat it is not so much the length of between the matching screw threadsthat prevents failure of the adjustable foot, but that, rather, in thiscontext it is important to ensure that the first adjustable part doesnot stretch radically under the influence of the load borne by 11adjustable foot, which load is transferred via the external screw threadan the second adjustable part and the internal screw thread on the firstadjustable part with the internal screw thread of the first adjustablepart would be lost and radially to a sufficient extent, engagement ofthe external screw thread of the second adjustable part with theinternal screw trend of the first adjustable part would be lost and thesecond adjustable part would drop downwards along the first adjustablepart. The Applicant has now found that here it suffices to impose therequirement that the external diameter of the first adjustable part isat least 1.4 times the diameter of the matching internal and externalscrew thread.

In this context the Applicant has furthermore found that increasing theexternal diameter of the first adjustable part makes only a smallcontribution to the resistance to failure if the diameter of the firstadjustable part exceeds a magnitude of 1.9 times the diameter of thematching internal and external screw thread. In particular, in thiscontext it is preferable if the external diameter of the firstadjustable part is at most 1.6 times diameter of the matching internaland external screw thread.

As far as the axial height of the internal screw thread is concerned, alength in the range of 16 to 25 mm surfaces according to the invention.

According to a further aspect the invention relates to a combination ofan adjustable foot according to the invention, a substructure, equipmentset up in alignment on said substructure, and an anchor bolt, where theequipment is anchored to the substructure by means of the anchor bolt,with the adjustable foot between them. It is particularly advantageoushere if a bottom surface of the first adjustable part rests on thesubstructure and if the equipment is in contact with the washer or withthe cap which, in turn, is in contact with the washer

According to yet a further aspect, which can be completely independentof the other aspects the present invention relates to an adjustable footfor setting up equipment in alignment, comprising;

an annular element provided with an axial bore with internal screwthread;

a shaft element provided with an axial screw thread matching theinternal screw thread, which shaft element, when screwed into the bore,can be adjusted in the axial direction with respect to the annularelement by turning with respect to the annular element;

a support part, provided on the annular element or shaft element, and awasher, wherein the washer and the support part are each provided with aconvex respectively concave surface, having essentially the same radiusof curvature, such that the angle of the washer can be adjusted withrespect to the support part characterised in that, viewed in the axialdirection, the height of the second adjustable part is less or equal tothe height of the first adjustable part and in that, viewed in theradial direction, the dimensions of the second adjustable part arecompletely within the contour determined by the external screw thread.The minimum overall axial height of this adjustable foot has beenminimized to the axial height of the first adjustable part. The secondadjustable put can be screwed completely into the first adjustable part.With this arrangement it is advantageous, in particular, if the externaldiameter of the washer is less than the diameter external screw thread,and specifically in particular if the external diameter of the washer isapproximately 4 to 10 mm, for example 6 m, smaller than the diameter ofthe external screw thread. In this context the characterising clauses ofclaims 1 and 5 constitute advantageous embodiments just as the otherclaims also constitute advantageous embodiments that as dependent claimscan follow on from these.

The present invention will be explained in more detail below withreference to the appended drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an adjustable foot according tothe invention;

FIG. 2 shows, in cross-sectional, a variant of an adjustable footaccording to the invention in an installed position;

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional and partial front view of a first toolfor installation;

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional and partial front view of an adjustablefoot according to the invention together with a second tool forinstallation;

FIG. 5 shows in cross-sectional view a further alternative of asadjustable foot according to the invention; and

FIG. 6 shows in top view the cap of the further alternative according toFIG. 5.

FIG. 1 shows, diagrammatically in cross-section, an adjustable footaccording to the invention. This adjustable foot comprises an annularelement 1 forming the first adjustable part, a shaft element 2 formingthe second adjustable part and a washer 3. The annular element 1 isprovided with internal screw thread 4 and the shaft element 2 isprovided with external screw thread 5. The internal screw thread 4 andexternal screw bad 5 match one another, that is to say the shaft element2 can be screwed into the annular element 1. The components 1, 2 and 3and preferably made of steel, in particular a high grade steel.

The shaft element 2 is provided at the top with a support part in theform of a concave surface 6 with a radius of curvature R. The washer isprovided on the underside thereof with a convex surface 66 withcorresponding radius of curvature R. The washer is thus able to movewith respect to the shaft element 2, it being possible for theinclination of the top surface 7 of the washer 3 to be adjusted withrespect to the bottom surface 8 of the annular element 1 so that, on theone hand, flat contact of the underside 8 of the annular element 1 onthe substrate and, on the other hand, flat contact of the top surface 7of the washer with the underside of the equipment to be supported can beachieved.

By turning the shaft element 2 with respect to the annular element 1(FIGS. 1 and 2 show a position in which they are completely screwed intoone another, whilst FIG. 3 shows a position in which they are partiallyscrewed into one another) the vertical distance X (see FIG. 4) bridgedby the adjustable foot can be set as desired.

With reference to the reference symbols A, B, C, D, E, F, and R, in FIG.1 and Table 1 below, ten models, called Type 1 to Type 10, are indicatedby way of example in Table 1, with their values A, B, C, D, F, P and R.Except for F and R, these are diameter values. The adjustable foot hascircular symmetry about axis 9. TABLE 1 A in B in C in D in E in F in Rin mm mm A/B mm mm mm mm mm Type 1 60 42 1.4 36 20 15 16 100 Type 2 8052 1.5 46 26 19 19 100 Type 3 100 64 1.6 58 32 23 20 100 Type 4 120 821.5 76 40 29 20 100 Type 5 140 95 1.5 89 48 35 20 250 Type 6 160 110 1.5104 58 40 20 250 Type 7 190 130 1.5 124 68 46 20 250 Type 8 220 160 1.4154 80 54 25 400 Type 9 230 160 1.4 154 84 62 25 400 Type 10 250 170 1.5164 95 70 25 400

The diameter of the washer 3 (see also Table 1) is approximately 6 mmsmaller (i.e. B-C) than the diameter of the shaft element 2. Thisprovides a relatively wide rang of inclinations for adjusting theinclination even when the shaft element has been screwed completely intothe annular element 1.

In order to prevent dirt and moisture to that reaches the adjustablefoot from above being able to get into the main screw thread 4, 5, thetop surface 10 of the annular element 1 is shaped such that it tapers aat angle β in the radically outward direction. This angle β can be inthe range from 5° to 15°. The more acute the angle β the be will dirtand moisture be guided away radially outwards from the matching screwthread 4, 5, but the greater will also be the adverse effect on thebearing capacity of the internal screw thread 4 if this continues to thetop of the annular element.

FIG. 2 shows essentially approximately the same adjustable foot as inFIG. 1, but now provided with a cap 11. It is pointed out that the cap11 can be fixed to the washer 34 but could also be formed as an integralunit with the washer 3.

The cap is preferably sunken either respect to the top surface of thewasher. The cap is thus not a component that has to support theso-called equipment 14. The cap can then be made of a relatively weakmaterial, such as plastic, compared with the washer. The primary purposeof the cap 11 is, on the one hand, to cover the matching screw thread 4,5 from the top and, on the other hand, to protect the concave and convexsurfaces 6, 66 against the ingress of dirt and moisture. For thispurpose it is important that the cap 11 has a diameter that is greaterthan that of the internal screw thread 5 or external screw thread 4(which comes down to the same thing) or is greater than the diameter ofthe washer. For this purpose it suffices if the cap 11, viewed from theaxial axis 9, extends as far as, for example, approximately arrow Y,that is to say to beyond the matching screw thread 4, 5. In order toensure this, the diameter of the cap 11 will preferably be at least 10%,more preferentially at least 25%, greater than the diameter of thematching screw thread 4, 5. What can be achieved by giving the cap 11 alarger diameter and providing it with a peripheral wall 12 that hangsdown, so that an interior accommodating space 32 is formed below the topsurface 13 of the cap and between the wall 12 that hands down, is thatthe ingress of dirt and/or moisture radially from the outside along thetop of the annular element 1 is also counteracted. As will be clear,with this arrangement the tapering top surface 10 is no longer of directimportance, although it still does offer advantages. The taperingsurface 10 could also optionally be dispensed with if the cap 11 has adiameter that extends only as far as approximately the arrow Y, that isto say if the cap has a diameter that is greater the diameter of thematching screw threads 4, 5.

FIG. 2 furthermore shows a foot section 14 of equipment to be set up inalignment, as well as a hexagonal bolt 15 provided with screw thread, bymeans of which said equipment 14 is anchored on the substrate 16. Theadjustable foot in FIG. 2 is shown in the completely screwed-inposition, but it will be clear that in the case of equipment set up inalignment this will not occur very often in practice.

In order to prevent the cap 11 as shown in FIG. 2 impeding the washer 3in assuming a sloping position with respect to the shaft element 2, itis preferable according to the invention if the internal height V of thecap 11 is approximately 95% to 99% of the minimum overall height F(where the axial thickness of the cap 11 has been left out ofconsideration). Since the wall 12 of the cap 11 that extends downwardswill locally tend to move towards the annular element 1 when the washer3 tilts with resect to the shaft element 2, it is preferable accordingto the invention if the internal diameter of the cap 11 is larger thanthe largest external diameter of the other parts of the adjustable foot,in particular is approximately 0.5 to 2% larger than the largest of theexternal diameters of the other parts. With is arrangement the distanceW is the half said 0.5 to 2% oversize in the cap diameter.

So as to prevent the shaft element 2 being pushed downwards with respectto the annular element 1 under the influence of a load acting in thedirection of the axial axis 9, because the external screw thread 5completely or partially loses engagement with the internal screw thread4, it is import according to the invention to take a diameter that is atleast 1.4 times the nominal diameter of the matching screw thread B forthe external diameter A of the annular element 1. In this way it isreliably ensured that the annular element 1 is not able to stretch inthe radial direction to such an extent that the internal screw thread 5and external screw tread 4 locally lose their engagement. So that theinternal screw thread can continue as a fully load-bearing screw threadup to the top of the annular element 1, it is preferable if the angle βis at most 15°, for example approximately 10°.

In order to keep the radial dimension of the adjustable foot accordingto the invention to a minimum at the same time, it is preferableaccording to the invention if the external diameter of the annularelements is at most 1.9 times the diameter of the matching internal andexternal screw thread, more preferentially at most 1.6 times saiddiameter of the matching internal and screw thread.

As will be clear from FIGS. 1 and 2, a very thin adjustable foot can beproduced in terms of overall height by means of the measures describedabove according to the invention. Shaft element 2 can be given a maximumheight that is equal to or less than the maximum axial height of theannular element 1. With this arrangement the concave dish 6 is as itwere completely sunken in the region surrounded by external screw tread5. However, this means that the shaft element 2 becomes less readilyaccessible, at leas compared with the known state of the art asdescribed in EP 316 283. In order nevertheless to be able to adjust theshaft element 2 with respect to the annular element the inventionprovides a special tool. This will be explained in more detail withreference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

FIG. 3 shows a first embodiment of such a tool 40. The tool 40 showncomprises a tension pin 46 provided with screw thread with an operatingnut 50 at the top. The tension pin 46 runs through a sleeve 45. A secondclamping block guide 41, acting as second support part, is provided atthe bottom of the sleeve 45. The clamping block guide 41 has a taperingperipheral surface. A first clamping block guide 42, acting as firstsupport part and likewise having a tapering guide surface, is providedbelow the clamping block guide 41. This first clamping block guide 42bears on a nut 47. This nut 47 is fixed on the pin 46 by means of alocking pin 48 such that it cannot be turned. Three clamping blocks 43are provided in the peripheral direction around the axial axis 52. Theseclamping blocks 43 are held together around the axis 52 by an elasticring 44. The elastic ring 44 is pretensioned and allows the clampingblocks 43 to move radially outwards overcoming a spring force or to moveradially inwards under the influence of the spring force. This dependson the change in the axial distance between guide part 41 and guide part42. It is advantageous if the nut 47 is able to rotate with respect tothe guide part 42. Rotation of the pin 46 with respect to the sleeve 45is prevented by a peg 49 that is provided on the pin 46, runstransversely with respect to the pin and is accommodated in an axialslot provided in the sleeve 45. A closing flange 51 is provided at thetop of the sleeve 45.

The axial distance beetween the guide parts 41 and 42 can now be changedby turning the nut 50. When the guide parts 41 and 42 move axiallytoward one another, the clamping blocks 43 are pushed radially outwards.When the guide parts 41, 42 move axially apart, the clamping blocks 43will move radially inwards under the influence of the elastic pretensionof ring 44. It will be clear to a person skilled in the art how the tool40 is to be used in order to turn the shaft element 2 with respect tothe annular element 1. For this purpose the bottom of the tool 40 isinserted in the bore 18 in such a way that the clapping blocks 43 arelocated in the bore. The nut 50 is then turned such that the guide parts41 and 42 approach one another until the clamping blocks 43 engagesufficiently firmly on the peripheral wall of the bore 18. The shaftpart 2 can then be turned by holding the tool 40 still and turning theannular element 1 or, conversely, holding the annular element 1 stilland turning the tool 40 about the axis 52.

FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the tool. The tool 20 has aninsertion end 21 that can be inserted in the axial direction into thehole 19 of the shaft element 2. For this purpose this insertion end 21is provided with a type of fingers 22 (which optionally could alsotogether form a closed sleeve). These fingers can be inserted over anend of a bolt 17 extending upwards so that the adjustable foot 1, 2 canfirst be placed on the substrate 16 while an anchoring bolt 17 hasalready been fixed in said substrate 16. Gripper means 23, in this casein the form of clamping blocks, are provided at the bottom of thefingers 22. These clamping blocks 23 can be opted by means of a levermechanism, of which the fingers 22 form part. The lever mechanismessentially consists of the fingers 22 and arms 33, which arearticulated on one another at 24 and the arms of which are articulatedon a common second support part 25 at 34. The fingers 22 are alsoarticulated on a common first support part 26 at 35. The clamping blocks23 are moved radially outwards or radially inwards by now moving thesupport parts 25, 26 with respect to one another. This movement of thesupport parts 25 and 26 with respect to one another is, for example,possible by fixing the support part 25 on a pin 27, where rotation ofsupport part 25 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pin 27 ispossible, and fixing support part 26 to the bottom of a sleeve 28through which the pin 27 runs. The sleeve 28 is provided at the topthereof with a nut body 29 through which the pin 27 runs by means ofscrew tread 30. The movement of support part 25 with respect to supportpart 26 is produced by now rotating the pin 27 by mean of the arm 31with resect to the sleeve 28.

It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the tools shown highlydiagrammatically in FIGS. 3 and 4 are merely examples of possibleembodiments. Specifically, such tools can be produced in very many ways.The advantage of such tools is that the bore 18 through the shaftelement 2 does not have to be provided with special shaping. This cansimply remain a circular bore as usual. However, the bore 18 could alsobe made non-circular, in which case the tool merely has to be providedwith an insertion end that can be inserted in the non-circular bore 18with a tight fit. This can be achieved, for example, by providing thenon-circular bore with an axial slot on opposite sides and making theinsertion end 21 as it were plate-shaped, the ends of the plate thenbeing accommodated at opposite sides of the bore 18 in the slots made.

With reference to FIG. 2 of this application and to the figure in EP 888514, reference number 23, it is pointed out that the cap 11 can alsowork in conjunction with a scale provided on the annular element 1.Because in the case of the present invention the cap 11 is able to titwith respect to the annular element 1, in the case of the presentinvention it is preferable to provide the annular element 1 with anumber of vertical scales provided distributed around the periphery orwith a scale extending over the entire periphery. Furthermore, multiplescales make reading easier. According to the invention the scale canalso be a single reference line. This can, for sample, indicate themaximum (unscrewing) height of the adjustable foot. This maximumunscrewing height will then be so determined that the associated lengthof engagement between the internal and external screw thread has anadequate bearing capacity to be able to support a predetermined designload as a consequence of the so-called ‘equipment’.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a further alternative of an adjustable foot accordingto the invention. As the difference between FIGS. 5 and 6 and the otherfigures essentially lies in the particular cap, corresponding referencesare used for the other parts.

With reference to FIG. 5, the shaft element 2 is, at the top, providedwith recesses 81 distributed around the circumference. Further, there isprovided a cap 80, which joins to the shaft element 2 and extends fromthe shaft element 2 above the annular element 1 in order to protect thematching screw threads 4, 5 against the action of dirt. The cap 80 is inthis case in the form of a flat ring made from sheet material. At itsinner circumference the cap 80 is provided with teeth engaging therecesses 81 in the shaft element. In this manner, the cap 80 is fixedwith respect to the shaft element in the sense that they can not rotatewith respect to each other.

-   -   At its outer circumference, the cap 80 is provided with a number        of finger pairs 83 having in between a slot 84. The fingers 83        extend beyond the circumferential contour of the annul element        1. The fingers 83 can be used to rotate the shaft element 2 with        respect to the annular element 1. In this manner, the height of        the adjustable for according to the invention is adjustable,        also when the device to be aligned is already placed on the        adjustable foot.    -   It is noted that the number of teeth 82, and the number of        fingers 83 of pairs of fingers 83 can be carried between broad        limits from 1 up to easily 10 or more.

1. Adjustable foot for setting up equipment in alignment, comprising: anannular element (1) provided with an axial bore with internal screwthread (4); a shaft element (2) provided with external screw thread (S)matching the internal screw thread (4), which shaft element (2), whenscrewed into the bore, can be adjusted in the axial direction withrespect to the annular element (1) by turning with respect to theannular element; a support part (6), provided on the top of the shaftelement (2), and a washer (3), wherein the washer (3) and the supportpart (6) are each provided with a convex (66) respectively concave (6)surface having essentially the same radius of curvature (R), such thatthe angle of the washer (3) can be adjusted with respect to the supportpart (6); characterised in that the top surface (10) of the annularelement (1) is made sloping downwards in the radially outward direction,and the support part (6) is provided at the top of the shaft element(2), in that the support part (6) is located completely within a contourdetermined by the diameter of the external screw thread (5), and in thatthe external diameter (C) of the washer (3) is at most equal to theexternal diameter (B) of the second adjustable part (2).
 2. Adjustablefoot according to claim 1, wherein the top surface (10) of the annularelement (1) tapers in the radially outward direction.
 3. Adjustable footaccording to claim 2, wherein the top surface (10) tapers at an angle ofapproximately 5° to 15° with respect to the axial axis, this anglepreferably being at most approximately 12°.
 4. Adjustable foot forsetting up equipment in alignment, comprising: a first adjustable part(1) provided with an axial bore with internal screw thread (4); a secondadjustable part (2) provided with external screw thread (5) matching theinternal screw thread (4), which second adjustable part (2), whenscrewed into the bore, can be adjusted in the axial direction withrespect to the first adjustable part (1) by turning with respect to thefirst adjustable part (1); a support part (6), provided on the firstadjustable part (1) or second adjustable part (2), and a washer (3),wherein the washer (3) and the support part (6) are each provided with aconvex (66), respectively, concave (6) surface having essentially thesame radius (R) of curvature, such that the angle of the washer (3) canbe adjusted with respect to the support part (6); characterised in thatthe external diameter (A) of the first adjustable part (1) is at least1.4 times the diameter (B) of the matching internal (4) and external (5)screw thread.
 5. Adjustable foot according to claim 4, wherein theexternal diameter (A) of the first adjustable part (1) is at most 1.9times the diameter (13) of the matching internal (4) and external (5)screw thread.
 6. Adjustable foot according to one of the precedingclaims 4-5, wherein the external diameter (A) of the first adjustablepart (1) is at most 1.6 times the diameter (B) of the matching internal(4) and external (5) screw thread.
 7. Adjustable foot according to oneof the preceding claims 4-6, wherein the axial height of the internalscrew thread (4) is in the range of 16-25 mm.
 8. Adjustable footaccording to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustable footfurther comprises a cap (11) with a diameter greater than that of theinternal screw thread (4) and/or greater than the diameter of the washer(3).
 9. Adjustable foot for setting up equipment in alignment,comprising: an annular element (1) provided with an axial bore withinternal screw thread (4); a shaft element (2) provided with externalscrew thread (5) matching the internal screw thread (4), which shaftelement (2), when screwed into the bore, can be adjusted in the axialdirection with respect to the annular element (1) by turning withrespect to the annular element (1); a support part (6), provided on thetop of the shaft element (2), and a washer (3), wherein the washer (3)and the support part (6) are each provided with a convex (66)respectively concave (6) surface having essentially the same radius ofcurvature (R), such that the angle of the washer (3) can be adjustedwith respect to the support part (6); and a cap (11) with a diametergreater than the diameter of the internal screw thread (4) and/orgreater than the diameter of the washer (3). characterised in that thesupport part (6) is located completely within a contour determined bythe diameter of the external screw thread (5), and in that the externaldiameter (C) of the washer (3) is at most equal to the external diameter(B) of the second adjustable part (2).
 10. Adjustable foot according toclaim 4 or 9, wherein the diameter of the cap (11) is at least 10%, inparticular at least 25%, greater than the diameter of the internal screwthread (4) and the diameter of the washer (3), respectively. 11.Adjustable foot according to one of the preceding claims, wherein theinternal diameter of the cap (11) is greater than the largest of theexternal diameters of the other parts (1, 2, 3, 6) of the adjustablefoot, in particular is approximately 0.5 to 2% greater than said largestof the external diameters of the other parts (1, 2, 3, 6). 12.Adjustable foot according to one of claim 11, wherein the cap (11)contains a space (32), delimited by the cap (11), which has an axialheight (V) that is greater than or equal to the maximum axial length bywhich the shaft element (2) can protrude from the annular element (1),or at least is intended to protrude at the maximum above the annularelement (1).
 13. Adjustable foot according to claim 12, wherein the cap(11) extends downwards from the washer (3) below the bottom outerperipheral edge of the washer (3), preferably extends at leastapproximately 5 to 10 mm below said bottom outer peripheral edge. 14.Adjustable foot according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the axial height ofthe interior space (V) is at most equal to the axial height (F) of theunit formed by the annular element (1), shaft element (2) and washer (3)when the internal (4) and external (5) screw thread are completelyscrewed into one another, preferably is less than or equal to 95% to 99%of said maximum height.
 15. Adjustable foot according to one of thepreceding claims, wherein the support part (6) is at least partially,preferably completely, sunken in a zone of the shaft element that issurrounded by the external screw thread (5).
 16. Adjustable footaccording to one of the preceding claims, wherein, viewed in the axialdirection, the height of the second adjustable part (2) is less than orequal to the height of the first adjustable part (1) and wherein, viewedin the radial direction, the dimensions of the second adjustable part(2) are completely within the contour determined by the external screwthread (5).
 17. Adjustable foot according to one of the precedingclaims, wherein the support part has a concave surface (6) and thewasher a convex surface (66).
 18. Adjustable foot according to one ofthe preceding claims, wherein the shaft element (2) and the washer (3)are provided with an axial opening for an anchor bolt (9, 17). 19.Adjustable foot according to one of the preceding claims, wherein theaxial opening through the washer (3) has a diameter that isapproximately 32 to 48% larger than the diameter of the axial openingthrough the shaft element (2).
 20. Adjustable foot according to one ofthe preceding claims, wherein the axial length of the shaft element 2 isequal to or less than the axial height of the annular element (1) andwherein the shaft element (2) is provided with external screw thread (5)along its entire axial length and/or the internal screw thread (4) ofthe axial bore extends over the entire axial height of the annularelement (1).
 21. Combination of an adjustable foot according to one ofthe preceding claims, a substructure (16), equipment (14) set up inalignment on said substructure (16), and an anchor bolt (17), whereinthe equipment (14) is anchored to the substructure (16) by means of theanchor bolt (17), with the adjustable foot between them.
 22. Combinationaccording to claim 21, wherein a bottom surface (8) of the annularelement (1) rests on the substructure (16) and wherein the equipment(14) is in contact with the washer (3) or with the cap (11) which, inturn, is in contact with the washer (3).